Paw Print Writer: David Cardenas
It is difficult for college students to avoid the steady drip of news, alerts, and conversations about the impending presidential election. It often feels as though no one-at least on social media, in group chats, and even when talking on campus, is taking a break from talking about this election. Many of us are well aware of the magnitude of the events unfolding before us as we think of our futures and what type of world we're entering. Along with academics, personal goals, and daily responsibilities, the added pressure of election season may feel overwhelming. However, how we handle election season depends greatly upon staying grounded and managing our stress levels. Here are some suggestions in a survival guide for balance as a college student during this high-stakes season.
1. Daily De-stress Habits
Making a few grounding habits can ease the tension and give your brain a much-needed break from election chit-chat. Making a specific routine was necessary since, as an athlete, I have to keep in balance with my academics as well as put up with the added tension of election seasons. Here are some tiny habits that could help:
Mindfulness Practices: Even a few minutes of mindfulness or breathing exercises go a long way in calming down. Headspace and Calm apps offer quick guided sessions that fit any busy schedule. Consider setting aside five minutes before bed or between classes to decompress. These small moments of calm can provide a mental "reset," keeping anxiety levels lower.
Journaling for Clarity: Journaling has always helped me process my thoughts and emotions through tough times, such as working through an injury while trying to be part of cross country. Often, just writing down thoughts and feelings can help to release tension without bottling it up inside. Try to write down three things you are thankful for each day; it's a simple practice that helps me refocus on positive aspects, even when external stresses are high.
Physical Activity as a Release: As a runner, I know how exercise clears the mind. Whether one is an athlete or not, nothing works as well as a brisk walk, some stretching, or a workout to take time off election news and leave you feeling renewed. Even a 10-minute stretching session could be very instrumental to your mental health. And remember, you don't have to be in top shape form of movement can help clear your head and elevate your mood.
2. Set Boundaries with News and Social Media
It's so easy to slip into that refreshing news and scroll through social media political posts' on-end cycle. But overexposure to election content fuels anxiety. Setting boundaries has been a key part of managing my stress during this time.
Limit news intake: The one or two times a day exposure to news via reliable channels will keep you well-informed without being overwhelming. What has helped me is trying to avoid news early in the morning or before bedtime when levels of stress peak. Having that specific time to catch up with news, you remain informed without entering the endless circle of breaking news adding to your stress.
Regulate your exposure to social media: Extreme views are often amplified on social media, and they happen day in and day out. You can mute keywords, stop following accounts, or go on a full social media hiatus. There are sometimes periods when I mute notifications during a training season, and it works wonders for me. You may want to try fiddling with these settings: mute some words or even take a break from Twitter if those services stress you out.
Choose Conversations Wisely: Great to engage in political talk; keep in mind that you are okay to set limits with friends or family if the conversations feel like they are becoming overwhelming. A simple "I need a break from election talk right now" goes far in keeping your headspace calm. Everybody is different in how they process it, and there is nothing wrong with taking a step back.
3. Stay Focused on Studies and Goals
When there is so much external stress, it is easy to lose focus on personal goals and academics. Setting mini-goals during election seasons does help provide a positive outlet and a sense of accomplishment. Set Mini-Goals for Structure: For me, the schedule of going to the gym- even injured-has helped me feel more connected and grounded to my long-term goals. The sense of normalcy can be maintained by setting small academic or personal goals-for instance, studying a set amount of time each day or working on some project. Whether it is committing to 30 minutes of reading or an hour on a class project, mini-goals can help you stay productive and motivated in maintaining your routine.
Keep Up with Hobbies and Interests: What's important, as students, is that we keep doing what we love outside of politics. Playing an instrument, reading, and joining a club all have provided a much-needed break from the madcap post-election chaos, reminding us, yes, that there is more to life than election results. Planning my final track season, for example, provides balance and purpose. That is a powerful refueling process engaging in a hobby, whether small or large.
4. Focus on Local Impact and Community
While presidential elections are impactful, often local and state elections affect students more directly. Shifting your focus to what's happening locally can be empowering.
Research Local Issues: Policies regarding items such as student debt, healthcare, and campus safety are too often left to local leaders. Take a little time to research these issues that may give you a sense of connection and engagement without the stress of it being on the national level. Consider attending a local event or talk on a community issue - it can be refreshing to see a direct impact.
Get Involved in Your Community: Clubs or volunteer opportunities around campus that focus on issues ranging from sustainability to student government, the opportunity to make a positive difference in issues that matter. It is one way to get involved without feeling overwhelmed by national issues.
5. Encourage Regular Mental Health Check-ins
Taking good care of your mental well-being is very critical, particularly in a period that can be charged, like election season. Check-In with Friends and Yourself: When overwhelmed, one should not hesitate to reach out to friends who are probably feeling the same. Regular check-ins-even something as small as a quick message or doing a study session together build a support network. Having a "buddy system" to check in can be comforting and feel more connected.
Use Campus Resources: Many campuses have mental health services, quiet spaces, and even clubs that support wellness. Seek these out should you ever need a break or some extra support. Talking to a counselor or going to a campus wellness event can make a big difference. Mental health services are there for a reason using them is one great active behavior you can employ in service of your well-being.
Conclusion
With all said and done, whereas elections are important, so is your well-being. Take time for yourself and put things into perspective; take breaks where needed and focus on what you can control. It's not an election that wholly defines your complete future; there is so much you can accomplish regardless. Calmness, focus, and connectedness to others will help you get through election season confidently and resiliently.
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